May 2026 – As Manager of Community Impact at Maui United Way, Makana Rosete plays a central role in aligning resources with the most pressing needs across Maui County. She works closely with community partners, nonprofits and local leaders to ensure that funding decisions are informed, strategic and responsive to real-time conditions on Maui, Molokai and Lāna‘i.
Since joining the organization in 2015, Makana has helped support the organization through a period of significant change. What began as a focus on education, income and health has expanded with a stronger emphasis on community resilience and long-term stability—an evolution shaped by both ongoing challenges and lessons learned in times of crisis.
Born and raised on Maui, Makana returned to the island after college with a clear commitment to give back to the communities that raised her. Her roots span generations across the island, with family ties to Hāna, Kīhei and Makawao. Her heritage reflects the diverse history of Maui, including Native Hawaiian, Filipino, Russian and Portuguese ancestry. Stories of her family’s perseverance include ancestors who fled conflict and those who built lives during the plantation era. Her cultural history continues to inform her perspective and reinforce a deep sense of responsibility to her community.
In recent years, she has helped lead response efforts through a series of major challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2023 wildfires and ongoing flooding events. Each of these moments has required Maui United Way to act quickly while maintaining accountability and coordination with trusted partners. Makana has been instrumental in helping the organization balance immediate relief with longer-term recovery strategies that support stability and resilience.
Her approach is grounded in listening—understanding where gaps exist, identifying which organizations are best positioned to respond and ensuring that resources are deployed in ways that are both efficient and impactful. She is particularly focused on strengthening partnerships and supporting community-based solutions that can adapt as needs evolve.
Makana also points to Maui United Way’s ability to remain nimble as one of its core strengths. With a clear mission and defined focus areas, the organization is able to shift in response to emerging challenges while staying aligned with long-term goals. This flexibility has been critical in navigating an increasingly complex landscape for local families.
Her work is guided by a strong sense of kuleana and a deep respect for the trust placed in Maui United Way by the community. At home, she is part of a blended family with four boys—an experience that keeps her closely connected to the day-to-day realities many families across Maui, Molokai and Lānaʻi face.
For Makana, this role is both professional and personal. It reflects an ongoing commitment to strengthening the resilience of the islands, honoring the legacy of those who came before her, and contributing to a more stable and supported future for the communities she serves.